The cell biology of neural stem and progenitor cells and its significance for their proliferation versus differentiation during mammalian brain development.
The switch of neural stem and progenitor cells from proliferation to differentiation during development is a crucial determinant of brain size. This switch is intimately linked to the architecture of the two principal classes of neural stem and progenitor cells, the apical (neuroepithelial, radial glial) and basal (intermediate) progenitors, which in turn is crucial for their symmetric versus asymmetric divisions. Focusing on the developing rodent neocortex, we discuss here recent advances in understanding the cell biology of apical and basal progenitors, place key regulatory molecules into subcellular context, and highlight their roles in the control of proliferation versus differentiation.
Farkas
Lilla M
LM
Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstr. 108, D-01307 Dresden, Germany.
Huttner
Wieland B
WB
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology* / Q000378:metabolism; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology*; D002455:Cell Division; D019070:Cell Lineage; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000378:metabolism*; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D006801:Humans; D008322:Mammals; D051379:Mice; D046569:Neuroepithelial Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D055495:Neurogenesis; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism